“This bill gives Georgians the right to decide on Sunday alcohol sales themselves,” said Jay Hibbard, Vice President of the Distilled Spirits Council and whose organization has supported similar bills nationwide. “Archaic, 1930s-era laws are simply out of step with today’s economy, and have been for a long time. We commend the hard work of Representative Williams on this important issue.”

Hibbard noted that Georgia is one of only three states in the entire country that prohibits Sunday alcohol sales of beer, wine and spirits—despite increasing public sentiment in favor of allowing Sunday sales. Nationwide, states are moving to rollback their antiquated alcohol laws to benefit consumers, retailers and state coffers. Since 2002, 12 states have voted to allow Sunday spirits sales, bringing the total number of states who allow Sunday spirits sales to 34. Already this year, Virginia passed legislation expanding Sunday sales.

Hibbard pointed out that the majority of 21st-century households are comprised of dual-income families who want the flexibility and convenience to shop on Sundays; and, retailers want to serve their customers who increasingly are demanding Sunday sales.

Hibbard also noted that year-round Sunday spirits sales in Georgia would generate an estimated $29.1 to $40.7 million in new retail revenue and between $3.4 and $4.8 million for the state in additional sales tax revenue.